Alanko’s approach to the soundtrack was to create a cohesive entity that would enrich the players’ experience beyond just visual elements. He carefully crafted 35 tracks that capture the emotional and suspenseful journey of the game. Each musical cue is designed to emphasize specific sequences, drawing players further into the dark and mysterious world of Alan Wake.
Richard Lapington, Remedy’s audio director, commended Alanko’s skills as a composer, stating that even after listening to the game for hundreds of hours, he continues to discover new connections and subtleties in the score. This speaks to the depth and complexity of the music that Alanko has created for Alan Wake 2.
The soundtrack also features unique contributions, including four songs by the artist Poe and a song called ‘Yötön Yö’ performed by Martti Suosalo. These additions further immerse players in the thematic elements and eerie undertones of the game’s setting.
According to Remedy, the release of Alan Wake 2’s soundtrack is not just a nod to the past but also a testament to the future of the franchise. The enduring impact of the Alan Wake series is evident in the carefully crafted music that will both satisfy fans’ nostalgia and bring a fresh perspective to the game.
During our conversation, Alanko highlighted the duality present in the game due to its two main characters, Alan Wake and Saga Anderson. The music reflects this duality, with each character’s journey having its own distinct sound and emotional depth. Alanko explained that Saga’s story is more concrete, focusing on survival and desperation, while Alan’s story involves suffering and the search for a way back to the surface. The inclusion of Saga as a new protagonist allows for a fresh take on the narrative without feeling repetitive.
Alanko’s work on the music for Alan Wake 2 was not without its challenges. The game’s unique concept of two separate worlds merging required careful orchestration and composition to seamlessly blend the different themes and moods. Alanko spent a year working on this amalgamation, revisiting updated cinematics daily to ensure the music aligned with the evolving storyline.
The journey from the original Alan Wake to its sequel has been a 13-year endeavor. Alanko has been involved in the music production for both games, writing music based on Sam Lake’s ideas and concepts. Despite the mixed results of the original game’s sales, Alanko remained committed to the project, writing music whenever new ideas arose.
Alanko’s deep understanding of psychology has influenced his approach to the music in Alan Wake 2. He aimed to create a certain reaction in players, utilizing techniques that induce horror and anticipation. By luring players toward the psychological horror within the game, Alanko achieved a heightened sense of anxiety and tension.
Throughout our conversation, Alanko expressed pride in specific moments of the game where his music played a significant role. The opening sequence, featuring a deer head and a dead man walking out of a lake, set the eerie tone from the very beginning. Another memorable scene is when Alan Wake is driving alone in a car, accompanied by a piece of music Alanko had written for the original game but didn’t make it in. These moments showcase the seamless integration of Alanko’s music into the gameplay, enhancing the overall experience for players.
Working on the same project for 20 years may seem daunting to some, but Alanko found satisfaction in the continuity and familiarity it provided. He was able to build upon the foundation established in the first game and deepen his understanding of the characters and their depths. The use of the Alan Wake theme throughout both games, albeit sparingly, adds a sense of continuity and familiarity for players.
In conclusion, the soundtrack of Alan Wake 2 promises to be a masterpiece that complements the game’s narrative depth and immersive experience. Petri Alanko’s expertise as a composer, combined with his deep understanding of psychology, has resulted in music that not only enhances the gameplay but also elicits emotional reactions from players. The release of the soundtrack is a testament to the enduring impact of the Alan Wake series and serves as a shining beacon for the future of the franchise.
